Harvey Alan Leva

Harvey Alan Leva, 78 of Evanston, passed away at his home on Thursday, October 3, 2019. He was born August 8, 1941 in Kansas City Missouri, the son of Harry Leva and Leah Leva, nee Wedlan. 

Harvey went to the University of Illinois and later received a masters at Northwestern University.  He was married and divorced twice; first to Carol (Spetner) of Chicago with whom he had two children, and later to Alvina (Guidetti) of Alpharetta, GA.  Harvey spent the bulk of his corporate career working for Fortune 500 companies within the telecommunications space. He lived in the Chicagoland area early in his career and later moved to New York, Dallas, and Atlanta.  He eventually returned to Chicago, and ultimately settled in Evanston. Harvey retired early from corporate life to pursue his love of the arts.  He completed years of college level course work in advanced drawing, painting, and sculpture, leaving many impressive pieces behind.  He also took up playing the flute, bassoon, and oboe, enabling him to play in a variety of local orchestras and bands for many years.  Harvey was always planting flowers with his “green thumb,” and he spent years enjoying gourmet cooking.

In his early 30’s, Harvey became sick and suffered major nerve damage in both of his legs. Handicapped for the next 45 years, Harvey pushed through a lifetime of obstacles and lived a full and meaningful life.  In his later years, Harvey suffered and ultimately passed from pulmonary fibrosis of the lungs.  Harvey stubbornly maintained his desire for independence all the through the end of his life.

Harvey is survived by his sister Judy (David) Hoff, his sons Craig (Monette) Leva of Highland Park, IL and Scott Leva of Los Angeles, CA, his grandchildren Elliana, Alex, Rachel, and Elihu Leva of Highland Park, as well as many friends, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Medical Center 355 E Erie St., Chicago, IL 60611 

Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com

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